![Diagram of a simplified life cycle of a mushroom.](http://static.sciencelearn.org.nz/images/images/000/003/689/full/HEKA_ART_02_FungiLifeCycles%E2%80%93SporesAndMore_MushroomLifeCycle.jpeg?1674171543)
Simplified life cycle of a mushroom. Of the many spores produced by a mushroom, only a tiny number will land where they can germinate – to produce hyphae. Hyphae of different species may grow in soil or in wood and may later form a tiny mushroom button. This then grows, and the stalk and cap expand to become a mushroom. (Some other fungi have quite different life cycles.)